Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Pullman business owners tell council downtown foot traffic and stability remain strained
Summary
Multiple downtown business owners told the Pullman City Council on Jan. 28 that construction, low customer turnout and unstable commercial leases are forcing closures and repeated relocations; council members said they will meet with owners and seek flexible support from city departments and partners.
Several downtown Pullman business owners said at the Jan. 28 Pullman City Council meeting that construction, reduced foot traffic and unstable, short-term commercial leases are harming the local retail economy, forcing some longtime businesses to close or relocate.
The comments, made during the meeting’s public comment period, included accounts from Michelle Kelly, owner of Michelle’s Closet, Dominic (who identified himself as a downtown plant shop owner and “modern plantsman”), William (owner of Shagit’s Bagels in nearby Moscow, Idaho) and a representative for the Montessori School of Pullman that said the nonprofit preschool is struggling with enrollment and building-heating issues.
Why it matters: Council members said the complaints are consistent with what constituents have told them and urged residents to shop downtown. Business owners asked the council for more active outreach, targeted support for storefront stabilization, and clearer, faster permitting and permitting-waiver processes for things such as temporary…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
